KOLHAPUR: The state government will soon announce its decision to name
Kolhapur Airport
after Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj.
Rajya Sabha member Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati met chief minister
Devendra Fadnavis regarding the issue on Thursday. The MP claimed that several agitations have taken place earlier to name the airport after Rajaram Maharaj, but nothing happened.
Rajaram Maharaj was the son of legendary king Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and is credited for developing infrastructure for Kolhapur in the first half of the 20th century. Sources said the CM has agreed to the demand and make an official announcement soon.
"Public representatives from the district met the officials of Airport Authority of India (AAI) a couple of days ago in Delhi and demanded funds for airport expansion.
AAI
officials too have asked the state authorities to grant 30% of the total Rs 274 crore estimated cost of the project. The CM has assured that the state government will share the financial responsibility for developing the airport," Sambhajiraje said in a statement.
In 2011, history researcher
Udaysinha Rajeyadav
was among the first to demand naming of the airport after Rajaram Maharaj. As per records, Rajaram Maharaj had donated around 170 acres for developing the airport. The airport was inaugurated by Rajaram Maharaj on May 4, 1940.
The airport is located at Ujlaiwadi, around 9km south-east of the city.
The airport strip is around 1,300m, which needs to be expanded up to 3,000m so that commercial
air
service could be possible. At present, citizens have to travel either to Pune or Belagavi for catching flights.
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